Building Community Network Ideas From BAMBOO Project

Trevor writes:

Here are some ideas from Michele Martin.


Nonprofit Networks: Part Two--Building Connectivity Networks:

'The entire purpose of a connectivity network is to link people and information. That is all they do.' 'They must also create "bridges" across distance and social categories so that members are able to quickly and efficiently link to one another.'

'Information is the "currency" of a connectivity network... careful attention must be paid to finding and disseminating information to members that is useful, relevant and presented in a usable, digestible format.'

'..the other key purpose of a connectivity network is to create linkages between members of the network... you need people who are paying attention to the development of community... call these people "weavers." Another way to think about them is as "hosts" of a party.'

Nonprofit Networks Part Three: Using Technology to Build Connectivity

'It's important to remember that relevant, timely information and access to "the right people" are the major currencies of connectivity networks. People and organizations want to join networks that connect them to these two things. Further, they will not maintain their connections to a network if they do not have access to good information and helpful people.'

To create your connectivity network, consider who it is you want to bring together and what kinds of information they may need. Think about:

- Potential gaps in information needed by network members
- Opportunities to put information needed by different organizations into a central repository to be shared by all network members.
- Sharing of best practices and common resources.
- Consider creating communities of practice among people with common issues and needs, such as a case manager network or a network of grant writers and then focusing on their information needs.

'..simply providing information to members is not going to build community. This requires 2-way communication that allows network members to "talk" with other members. '

Building Nonprofit Networks--Part Four: Affinity & Production Networks

'The Collective Value Proposition is Key. For all types of networks, but especially affinity and production networks, the development of a common value proposition is critical. It is only through the creation of common value that you will gain the full effects of a network and be able to continually engage network members to achieve group goals.'

Regards
Trevor Nel - 011 - 705-2790 - www.innercircleforum.com
trevor@innercircleforum.com